Diphyllobothrium latum

Diphyllobothrium latum

Parasitology

Ectoparasites

Pediculus humanus and Phthirus pubis (Lice)
Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies)

Protozoa

Acanthamoeba
Naegleria fowleri (Primary amebic meningoencephalitis)
Toxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasmosis)
Cryptosporidium
Entamoeba histolytica (Amebiasis)
Giardia lamblia
Babesia
Plasmodium species (Malaria)
Leishmania
Trichomonas vaginalis
Trypanosoma brucei
Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease)

Worms

Diphyllobothrium latum
Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatid disease)
Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus
Angiostrongylus (Eosinophilic meningitis)
Anisakis
Ascaris lumbricoides
Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)
Guinea worm (Dracunculiasis)
Loa loa (Eye worm)
Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)
Strongyloides stercoralis
Toxocara canis (Visceral larva migrans)
Trichinella spiralis
Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm)
Wuchereria bancrofti (Lymphatic filariasis)
Clonorchis sinensis
Paragonimus westermani
Schistosomes

Key Takeaways

Diphyllobothrium latum is a parasitic cestode (flatworm) contracted by ingesting raw freshwater fish, hence its reputation as the fish tapeworm. The parasite attaches to the lining of the intestine and disrupts the absorption of vitamin B12, causing its deficiency. It presents with features of vitamin B12 deficiency, including macrocytic megaloblastic anemia. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia.